We recently connected with Vanessa Barrios and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The story of Pumarosa Candles began with a desire to inspire people to slow down and create meaningful moments. I wanted our candles to be more than scents and light; I envisioned them as a way for people to craft memories worth holding onto. This purpose came from cherished childhood memories in Venezuela, where scent connected me to people and places I loved. After losing my mother young, I felt a need to honor her teachings of simplicity, love, and mindfulness, and candles became a way to share these values.
As I explored the candle market, I realized many products offered fragrances that needed a sense of connection or depth. This insight inspired a unique approach: to create premium candles that go beyond ambiance and help people nurture a sense of peace and meaning. Starting in 2019, I invested years into refining scents, sustainable materials, and designs that inspire calm and mindfulness, and in 2022, Pumarosa was launched with candles meant to invite users into their own sacred personal moments.
What truly excites me is the knowledge that each Pumarosa candle has the power to transform your daily moments into ones worth cherishing. Our premium candles connect you to the simple beauty in life and what truly matters, inspiring hope and a sense of wonder in your everyday life.
Vanessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
At Pumarosa Candles, our approach goes beyond premium craftsmanship; it’s about the art of creating products that invite intentionality, calm, and meaning into everyday life. Our range includes hand-poured candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, and room sprays designed with artistry to support mindful moments. Through the Pumarosa Experience, a guided candle-making workshop, we help guests explore the art of scent and craft their signature candles, perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, family celebrations, and exclusive VIP sessions for couples.
What sets Pumarosa apart is our commitment to authenticity and artistry. We ensure that each product serves as a keepsake that enriches life with moments worth cherishing. I’m proud to know that each premium Pumarosa candle we create inspires calm, connection, and clarity, helping transform memories into lasting treasures. To stay updated on our latest artful products and experiences, follow us on Instagram @pumarosacandles or join our email list at www.pumarosacandles.com.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience in building Pumarosa Candles has been as much about mastering business structure and financial strategy as it has been about creativity. Early on, I realized that to make Pumarosa sustainable, I needed to understand profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Although facing financial spreadsheets and unfamiliar terms was intimidating, I committed to learning, knowing it was essential to our growth.
I sought guidance, practiced, and adjusted, becoming more confident in every decision. This continuous learning journey has shown me that as founders grow, so do their businesses. My vision for Pumarosa is to create opportunities for others and inspire them by showing what’s possible through resilience and dedication.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth has been Pumarosa’s best source of new clients, especially from loyal customers who love sharing our candles with friends and family. Their genuine recommendations have brought in many like-minded people who appreciate the care we put into each candle. Social media has also played a huge role, allowing us to connect directly with our audience and reach new customers through shared posts and recommendations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pumarosacandles.com
- Instagram: pumarosacandles
